What is a young carer?
A young carer is someone under 18 who cares for a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support.
A young carer might help with:
- practical tasks like cooking, housework and shopping
- physical care, such as helping someone out of bed
- emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed
- personal care, such as helping someone dress
- managing the family budget
- collecting prescriptions and helping to give medicine
- helping someone communicate, such as using sign language or interpreting
- looking after brothers and sisters.
Those are just examples – every young carer and their situation is unique. Take a look at the video below to help you decide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1aialRYG50
Do you think YOU are a young carer?
Get Help Today
Getting support starts with you telling us about what your day looks like. You can do this by completing the Complete the Day in the Life form. This form is for anyone who thinks they are a young carer and lives in Hertfordshire. You will need to get consent from a gown-up if you are under 16.
Take a look also at the Booklet for young carers (me-we.eu) – developed by young carers to give information about looking after yourself, growing up and thinking about your future.
Think your child might be a young carer?
If you think your child may be a young carer, this might feel overwhelming and you might be worried about seeking support.
Seeking support for your child isn't about judging your parenting or your situation. It's about understanding what practical, emotional or financial support your child may need as a young carer. The first step is to Complete the Day in the Life form. You can also:
Contact: 01992 658469
Monday–Thursday: 9am–5.30pm
Friday: 9am–4.30pm
If you need urgent help outside these times, call 0300 123 4043.
Or email youngcarers@hertfordshire.gov.uk if it’s not urgent.
For further information about all the support and benefits registering your child as a young carer can bring, please take a look at their website: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/adult-social-services/carers/young-carers/young-carers-in-hertfordshire.aspx#parents
Alternatively, pop into the school office and ask to speak to myself, Maxine Smith (Deputy head), and I will support you with your application.
Further practical help can be found below:
On this page we have added information to help and support you as a young carer. Click on this link: https://www.hct.nhs.uk/young-carers
And for parents:
- Advice and support for young carers (Children's Society) – they can help you understand your rights as a young carer, introduce you to other young carers, advise you on different ways into education and employment.
- Young Carers (Carers Trust) – they advise young carers and young adult carers about support available and their rights.
- Financial support for young carers (MoneyHelper) – find out about the benefits available to you.
- Services for Young People – provides youth work projects, careers education, work-related learning and wider support.
- Booklet for young carers (me-we.eu) – developed by young carers to give information about looking after yourself, growing up and thinking about your future.